From Dialogue to Delivery: Africa's 2026 Science, Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development Forums

In April 2026, I had the privilege of participating in two of Africa's most important continental policy platforms at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Headquarters in Addis Ababa: the Eighth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (STI Forum) and the Twelfth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD).

Although convened as distinct events, both forums shared a common objective: accelerating Africa's progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063 through stronger coordination, evidence-based policymaking, and transformative action. Together, they reflected an important evolution in the continent's approach—from developing strategies to implementing them.

Science, Technology and Innovation as Catalysts for Transformation

The African STI Forum was held under the theme: "Achieving progress towards the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 through transformative and coordinated actions in science, technology, and digital innovation."

The discussions reaffirmed that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are no longer standalone sectors. They have become cross-cutting enablers that shape economic development, public service delivery, regional integration, and sustainable growth. One of the highlights of my participation was contributing to the Regional Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, where governments, regional institutions, technical experts, academia, and civil society exchanged perspectives on Africa's priorities for AI governance.

As part of my work with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, I supported the drafting of the Addis Ababa Declaration and contributed to ensuring that Africa's collective priorities and policy positions would be effectively reflected in preparations for the United Nations AI Dialogue in Geneva. These discussions reinforced an important principle: Africa should not merely adapt to global AI governance frameworks but actively shape them. Building inclusive, context-driven, and development-oriented AI governance is essential if artificial intelligence is to become a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent.

Connecting Continental Processes

One encouraging development was the growing alignment between regional policy processes. The stronger connection between the African STI Forum and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (COM58) reflected an emerging recognition that innovation policy, digital transformation, and economic planning cannot operate independently. Rather than treating these discussions as parallel conversations, regional institutions are increasingly integrating them into a more coherent policy architecture. This shift represents an important step toward coordinated implementation rather than fragmented policymaking.

Turning the Tide on Sustainable Development

Following the STI Forum, I participated in the Twelfth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), held under the theme: "Turning the Tide: Transformative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063."

With fewer than five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the Forum provided an opportunity to assess both progress and remaining challenges. A major milestone was the launch of the 2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report, which paints a realistic picture of today's operating environment. Economic fragmentation, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, and financing constraints continue to challenge development efforts across the continent. Yet the report also highlights opportunities for accelerating progress through stronger regional cooperation, innovation, and institutional coordination. Within this context, I contributed to strengthening continuity between the outcomes of the STI Forum and the discussions at ARFSD. Ensuring that recommendations generated within one continental platform inform subsequent policy processes is essential if Africa is to move beyond dialogue toward measurable implementation.

From Frameworks to Execution

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from both forums was the noticeable shift in emphasis. For many years, continental discussions have focused on developing frameworks, strategies, and declarations. Those remain important, but the conversation is increasingly centred on execution. There is growing consensus that success will depend not on producing additional policy documents, but on translating existing commitments into coordinated programmes, investments, institutional reforms, and measurable outcomes. Digital transformation, AI governance, innovation ecosystems, and science policy are increasingly being recognised not as isolated priorities, but as system-wide enablers capable of accelerating implementation across multiple sectors.

Looking Ahead

Africa possesses the talent, institutions, and ambition needed to become a global leader in innovation and responsible AI. The challenge ahead is not identifying what needs to be done—it is delivering it. This requires coordinated governance, strategic investment, stronger regional cooperation, and inclusive policymaking that reflects Africa's diverse realities while positioning the continent to shape global digital governance. The conversations in Addis Ababa demonstrated that this momentum is building. The next step is ensuring that it translates into tangible impact for governments, businesses, researchers, and citizens across the continent. As Africa continues to define its digital future, I remain grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these important regional processes through my work with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, supporting efforts that strengthen policy coherence, regional collaboration, and Africa's voice in global digital governance.